The Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a classic SEC matchup on Saturday. It's time to continue our college football odds series and make an Alabama-Mississippi State prediction and pick.

After their first loss in over a year, things don't get any easier for the Crimson Tide. Mississippi State has a winning record for what feels like the first time in a couple of seasons, and they have what it takes to knock off the Tide. They have two wins over ranked opponents this season, with one of those wins coming against the Texas A&M Aggies, who just upset the Tide. This game will be a lot closer than everyone thinks, so let's get into the pick.

Here's how the bookmakers have set the odds for Saturday's matchup.

College Football Odds: Alabama-Mississippi State Odds

Alabama Crimson Tide -17 (-115)

Mississippi State Bulldogs +17 (-105)

Over 57 1/2 points (-108)

Under 57 1/2 points (-112)

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Why Alabama Could Cover The Spread

Despite their loss to Texas A&M, the Tide remain one of the best teams in the entire in the nation, especially on offense. Quarterback Bryce Young is another strong contender for the Heisman Trophy, and running back Brian Robinson is averaging 5.4 yards per carry in a career year. Both of these star players have led the offense to an average of 43.6 points per game. The Mississippi State defense has allowed 5.2 yards per play to opponents while also allowing an 80% red zone touchdown percentage. Alabama should be able to move the ball pretty easily in this game, either through the ground game or the air.

While the Tide have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, the same can't be said about the Bulldogs. Mississippi State is only averaging 3.0 yards per carry on the season, one of the worst numbers in all of college football. They're averaging 27.8 points per game, a stat that has been inflated from matchups with the Memphis Tigers and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. This isn't an offense to be afraid of, so the Tide should manage a solid defensive showing at the very least here.

Why Mississippi State Could Cover The Spread

Surprisingly, the Bulldogs have the passing offense to hang around with Alabama. Quarterback Will Rogers has earned himself a 75% completion percentage on the year to go along with 372 passing yards per game. Both of those numbers rank inside the top five in the nation. The Tide have allowed a 65% completion percentage to opponents, an incredibly high number. The Tide have also given up 7.0 yards per pass to whoever they've faced, so this is a great matchup for the pass-heavy Bulldogs.

After being upset on the road last week, home-field advantage can't be overlooked in this one. Mississippi State is 2-1 at home, with their only loss at Davis Wade Stadium coming at the hands of the LSU Tigers. All of Alabama's tough games have been on the road, as they were nearly upset by the Florida Gators before losing to Texas A&M in College Station. Expect a packed stadium and a potential trap game for one of the nation's best teams.

Final Alabama-Mississippi State Prediction & Pick

This game won't be a blowout, but Mississippi State still isn't the best pick on the board. The over should cash easily. Alabama has the most explosive offense in the nation, and the Bulldogs have been one of the best passing teams in college football. This should be a high-paced battle that results in plenty of touchdowns.

FINAL PICK: Over 57 1/2 points (-110)